Imperfectly Perfect

So I have been forced to take another short break from shooting professionally, however I am keeping my skills sharp with the help of my little mister.  We scouted a location today that I can't wait to use.  It has potential for being useful during multiple seasons and that excites me bunches.  Now Jude is at that stage where I either have to trick him to get shots are let him do his goofy faces and whatnot... I got a little of both today :)

Introducing Kalaya

Who is this ridiculously adorable Christmas cutie?!?!  Meet Kalaya, fall in love ♥

More Sweetness from the Zimmermanns

Just sharing some sweetness from one of my favorite little families!  I ♥ these four.

Introducing a Child's Joy.

Okay, this hasn't been updated in a while.  Mainly due to a drawn out move we recently underwent.  It kept me from shooting for multiple reasons.  Which is a supper bummer because our Sept was so beautiful this year it was ridiculous.  But all that aside I recently shot a wedding and had two family portrait sessions all back to back.  I'm not going to share the bulk just yet because I like my clients to view those before the general public (unless I have permission to do otherwise), but I wanted to share one little capture from the Zimmermann's shoot.  This is little Nate.  This was more of a causal capture than an intended one, but the joy on his face made me smile so big I had to share.  I even added a close up shot, he's just that cute.

Jude's 4yr Photo

I haven't  been shooting much these days due to our unexpected move and lack of convient transportation.  I did, however, take a minute to bribe Jude for some 4 year photos since his birthday is creeping up.  This is only one shot, we did some with him as a super hero to go along with his party theme, but this one was just so perfectly him I am in love with it and had to post.

Two Little Girls

I have to say these two girls make me smile and I'm super happy to be back editing this set.  This is a concept shoot I've wanted to do for a long time, a little girls tea party.  The location was complete luck; a park near us where they let the grass grow out due to budget cuts.  They cut the grass the DAY after these were taken!  I think the tall grass really helps to add whimsy, like this could be anywhere in the country side, not just some park in the middle of Tacoma.  Concept shoots as a whole have been something I've been scheming to accomplish.  Since most clients want something more natural these typically have to be fit in on my own time.  This shoot was both for myself and for Kimi, the two cuties mother, so it turned out to be mutually beneficial.  Now I just have to scheme to get a new camera that can keep up with my new designs.

Tea for Teddy?

Okay.... couldn't help it.  One more.  View large, the thumnail view makes it a little wonky for this one.

It's a Tea Party!

So I've wanted to start expanding and doing more concept shoots lately.  Luckily I have friends willing to go along with my ideas.  Kimi was kind enough to allow me the loan of her two adorable daughters for a "Tea Party" in the grass.  They were very good little models, and the cookies helped :)  I have some other work to finish up before I can edit the full set, but I had, HAD, to get a preview up.  I was going for a little bit of a dreamy look, hence the slight blow out, but I'm not sure if it's what I intended or not.  Thoughts are appreciated!

The Tie That Binds

It's the moments like this that remind me of why I do what I do ♥

It's a Themed Contest!

Please read all of the rules and fine print at the end of this post.  Not doing so might lead you to being disqualified and that would be a shame.

As promised, it's another contest!  This time I thought we'd switch it up a little bit so as to broaden the number of people able to participate.  We're going to do a photo contest that revolves around a theme, this time it will be "Summer" since it's getting close (and the shoot will take place during summer).

The contest will run from June 15th through June 29th.  The winners will receive a free mini session with PSI and bragging rights.

All you must do is send 1 (one) image that either you took or that you are in that you feel best represents Summer in all it's glory to poeticspectre@yahoo.com with your name (so I can make sure to identify it as yours).  Aside from the theme being met, it must also involve a minimum of 1 (one) subject, be it human or animal.  Then when your photo is added to the album created for the contest, share PSI and ask your friends to "Like" the page (this is not required to vote, it is however, a nice gesture and greatly appreciated), then check out the contest album and "Like" your photo to vote.  It's that easy!

Rules/Fine print:
~You must "Like" my FB page in order to submit a photo.
~Only ONE image will be accepted per household, so make it count.
~Images submitted will not be used for anything other than this contest and PSI claims no rights to them outside this one time allowance of use.
~Previous winners of PSI contests are not subject to entry.
~Mini session includes 5 (five) fully edited images on a CD in two sizes; for printing and web use.
~Free mini session is for a portrait session with no more than 4 (four) individuals.
~Session must be booked within one week of notification of winning the contest, session itself can be scheduled for any time/date that is convenient for both parties. 
~Once booked only one re-schedule will be permitted with a min of 24 hour notice (weather interference doesn't count).
~Session is for submitted individual/family, can not be transferred to friends or extended family.
~Session must take place within the Tacoma, WA area.
~All comments will be deleted from photos, so please don't be offended.  This is too keep negative language out of the equation.
~Savings of free session is aprox $40 but has no transferable or cash value. 

Sneak Peek

A quick sneak peek of the Casella wedding and Kristin's belly!

Memorial Day 2012

What have you been up to this Memorial Day weekend?  We did some camping, attended a graduation party and are now enjoying some family time with good food provided by Tacoma Boys.  They have a great deal on some amazing strawberries right now!  And they are Jude approved.

Introducing Miss Maizy!

And what a fantastic way to get back into the swing of things.  Miss Maizy gave me visions of fairys and elves today and made a normally potentially crazy lighting situation into a dream.

Waiting Out the Weather

So after a brief pick up the weather has kept us inside for the last couple of weeks.  Such a bummer but I'm crossing my fingers that it cooperates for my next few shoots.  Got some families, some friends, and some belly coming up!  In the  man time I must content myself with going through my personal images and sharing those :)

Another of Cutie Caiden

Another shot of Cute Kids Contest winner Caiden!  Who's next?!?!

Introducing Caiden!

Today was one of those days that reminded me of why it is I do this.  I've spent the last few months sort of in a slump due to the weather (being what it is in WA) not letting me really get out and do what I love to do.  While I can shoot indoors, and have gotten some great stuff from those circumstances, it's not what I truly enjoy, envision, excel at.  I love outdoor shooting.  I love using nature as a backdrop for my subjects.  I love natural light.  I love the organic feel it gives a photo.  So without further ado, here is our Cute Kids Contest winner Caiden!  Such a very photogenic little mister.

Introducing Spring!

Yes, it feels like it's been a long time coming this year, but Spring has finally stepped out and decided to show us a little of her beauty.  This excites me because it means that shooting will pick up and become a lot more engaging, which I love.  I've got a few shoots booked already, including one with our last Cute Kids Contest winner!  Keep an eye out because there will be another contest soon as well :)

Introducing Me!

I realized that it's been a while since I've done a serious self-portrait.  Since it's creeping up on Valentine's Day I figured a nice, soft, romantic shot would be nice.

Icy Hearts

The ice is really pretty at night too.

Snow Day III; or Ice Day

Took another trip out into the cold.  The snow turned to sleet and hail and the snow was crusted over.  It was very neat, different, and allowed for some unique photo ops.  Some of these are just snaps, but I thought I'd share them on my blog anyway, mind you, I'm not a nature photographer!  So be nice.

Snow Day II

Another day to practice in the snow!

Snow Day

I just want to say that snow is not easy to work in... but then again, we hardly ever get it so there's not much chance to practice ;)

Introducing Jackie and Chris

The winners of PSI's Cute Couples Contest, Jackie and Chris!  At home, casual and cool, it's all about who you are coming through.

Let's Do This!

Please read all of the rules and fine print at the end of this post.  Not doing so might lead you to being disqualified and that would be a shame.

As promised, it's another contest!  We're going to do another kids contest since it seems to be the most requested, and let's face it, we all love seeing pictures of cute kids.

The contest will run from January 13th through January 27th.  The winners will receive a free mini session with PSI and bragging rights.

All you must do is send 1 image of your cute kid(s) to poeticspectre@yahoo.com with both the name of the child and your name (first is all that is needed).  Then when your photo is added to the album created for the contest, share PSI and ask your friends to "Like" the page (this is not required to vote, it is however, a nice gesture and greatly appreciated), then "Like" your photo to vote.  It's that easy!

Rules/Fine print:
~You must "Like" my FB page in order to submit a photo.
~Only ONE image will be accepted per household, so make it count.   Image can be professional or nonprofessional, just make sure we can see faces clearly!
~Images submitted will not be used for anything other than this contest and PSI claims no rights to them outside this one time allowance of use.
~Previous winners of PSI contests are not subject to entry.
~Mini session includes 5 (five) fully edited images on a CD in two sizes; for printing and web use.
~Free mini session is for child portraits, up to TWO subjects only.
~Session must be booked within one week of notification of winning the contest, session itself can be scheduled for any time/date that is convenient for both parties. 
~Once booked only one re-schedule will be permitted with a min of 24 hour notice (weather interference doesn't count).
~Session is for submitted child/family, can not be transferred to friends or extended family.
~Session must take place within the Tacoma, WA area.
~All comments will be deleted from photos, so please don't be offended.  This is too keep negative language out of the equation.
~Savings of free session is aprox $35 but has no transferable or cash value.

*Just a forewarning, I will not be scheduling shoots between January 30th and March 3rd.  Please understand that winner will likely be scheduled for March/April.